Australian community sector survey

Community services organisations provided assistance to over 3 million clients last financial year, according to this ACOSS report. Some services are at breaking point and were forced to turn away a quarter of people needing child welfare, youth or housing services.

Demand for community services across Australia increased by 19% in 2007-2008 compared to the previous year. Services in highest demand are long term and crisis housing and health services (including mental health and drug and alcohol services).

The report provides information on service use, income, expenditure and workforce issues for the community services and welfare sector. The 2009 survey covers the financial year 2007-08 and had 556 survey respondents.